Packages of absorbent articles with with premiums

ABSTRACT

Each package in a plurality of packages includes a plurality of absorbent articles and at least one premium located within an interior space. Each package further includes at least one opening means to transition the package from a closed condition to an open condition and create an opening to access the interior space. The premium in each package is not directly attached to the absorbent articles or the package and the premium is consistently positioned and is immediately accessible through the opening when the package is first transitioned from the closed condition to the open condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packages which contain a plurality ofselected absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, training pants,feminine care products, incontinence garments, or the like.Additionally, the present invention relates to a plurality of packagesof absorbent articles having at least one premium consistently andconveniently located within the package.

It is common for manufacturers to include premiums with various productsto enhance the value of said products and thereby entice consumers topurchase said products. Likewise, it is common for manufacturers toinclude premiums with various products to provide a sample of thepremium product without requiring a separate purchase.

However, previous executions for delivering premiums have suffered someshortcomings. For example, some premiums have been attached to theoutside of a product package as is common with premiums in the form ofcoupons. These executions are prone to theft and/or can be damagedduring manufacturing, shipping, and general handling, and/or may bedisfavored by retailers for various other reasons.

Other executions for delivering premiums have included inter-mixing thepremium with the product as is common with coupons and toys added tobreakfast cereal. These executions are less prone to theft and damagebut undesirably require the consumer to dig through the product toobtain the premium. Furthermore, consumers may not be aware of thepremium in these executions because the premium is not necessarilyvisible when the package is first opened.

Yet other premiums are provided separately from the subject products asis common with mail-in offers for samples. These executions are lessprone to theft and damage but are not accessible when the productpackage is opened. Furthermore, these executions require the consumer totake at least one additional action to receive the premium and thereforethe premiums are likely to reach fewer consumers.

Therefore, there is a need for packages of absorbent articles containinga premium located therein that addresses the shortcomings of the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides a plurality of packages ofabsorbent articles containing a premium located therein such that thepremium is protected from theft and damage from shipping, isconsistently located, and is immediately visible and accessible when thepackage is first opened.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a plurality of packageswherein each package includes a plurality of absorbent articles and atleast one premium located within an interior space of the package.Furthermore, each package also includes at least one opening meansadapted to transition the package from a closed condition to an opencondition and create an opening to access the interior space. In eachpackage, the premium is not directly attached to the absorbent articlesor the package. Additionally, the premium is consistently positionedwithin the package and is immediately accessible through the openingwhen the package is first transitioned from the closed condition to theopen condition.

In some embodiments, the absorbent articles of each package may have afolded edge and may be arranged in a stack wherein the folded edges ofeach absorbent article are aligned and wherein the premium in eachpackage is consistently positioned adjacent the folded edges.

In various embodiments, the stacks of absorbent articles may define sixsides and the premium may overlie at least a portion of at least twosides of the stack.

In various embodiments, the absorbent articles may be adapted to fit auser having a first size and the premium may be an absorbent articleadapted to fit a user having a second size that is different than thefirst size.

In various embodiments, the absorbent articles may be labeled with afirst brand name owned by a first company and the premium may be labeledwith a second brand name owned by a second company wherein the firstcompany is different than the second company.

In various embodiments, the absorbent articles may be a product typeselected from a first group consisting of diapers, pants, swimpants,feminine hygiene articles, and boxer shorts. In some embodiments, thepremium may be a product type selected from a second group consisting ofdiapers, pants, swimpants, feminine hygiene articles, boxer shorts,clothing, compact discs, wipes, lotions, wash cloths, changing pads, sunsensors, spa items, coupons, informational items, books, promotionalitems, game pieces, and collectibles. In some embodiments, the producttype of the absorbent articles may be different than the product type ofthe premiums.

In various embodiments, each package may further include at least onewindow on at least one side wherein at least a portion of the premium isvisible from the exterior space before the package is first transitionedto the open condition.

In some embodiments, the opening means may include at least one line ofweakness. In various embodiments, the premium may include a wrap atleast partially encasing the premium. In various embodiments, eachpackage may include a first premium and a second premium wherein thesecond premium is a different type than the first premium.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a plurality ofpackages wherein each package includes a plurality of absorbent articlesand at least one premium located within an interior space. Furthermore,each package also includes at least one opening means adapted totransition the package from a closed condition to an open condition andcreate an opening to access the interior space. In each package, thepremium is not directly attached to the absorbent articles or thepackage. Additionally, the premium is consistently positioned frompackage to package and is immediately accessible through the openingwhen the package is first transitioned from the closed condition to theopen condition. Furthermore, the premium is positioned adjacent a majorface panel of each package.

In various embodiments, the premium may be rigid. In some embodiments,the entire major face panel of each package defines a face panel surfacearea and the premium defines a premium surface area wherein the premiumsurface area is at least 50% of the face panel surface area.

In some embodiments, each package may further include at least onewindow on at least one side wherein at least a portion of the premium isvisible from the exterior space before the package is first transitionedto the open condition.

In various embodiments, each package may include a first premium and asecond premium wherein the second premium is different than the firstpremium. In some embodiments, the absorbent articles may be labeled witha first brand name owned by a first company and the premium may belabeled with a second brand name owned by a second company wherein thefirst company is different than the second company.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a plurality ofpackages wherein each package includes a plurality of absorbent articlesand at least one premium located within an interior space. Furthermore,each package also includes at least one opening means adapted totransition the package from a closed condition to an open condition andto create an opening to access the interior space. In each package, thepremium is not directly attached to the absorbent articles or thepackage. Additionally, the premium is consistently positioned and isimmediately accessible through the opening when the package is firsttransitioned from the closed condition to the open condition.Additionally, the absorbent articles are arranged in a stack along anappointed stacking direction. The stack includes a first absorbentarticle defining a first end of the stack and a second absorbent articledefining a second end of the stack opposite the first end. The premiumis positioned within the stack between the first absorbent article andthe second absorbent article.

In various embodiments, the premium may have a longest dimension that isless than or equal to a longest dimension of the absorbent articles. Invarious embodiments, the premiums and the absorbent articles may becompressed within the package. In some embodiments, each package mayinclude a first premium and a second premium wherein the second premiumis different than the first premium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and furtheradvantages will become apparent when reference is made to the followingdetailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A representatively shows a front elevational view of a filledpackage of the invention with a portion cut away to illustrate articlescontained therein;

FIG. 1B representatively shows a back elevational view of a filledpackage of the invention;

FIGS. 1C and 1D representatively show side elevational views of a filledpackage of the invention;

FIG. 1E representatively shows a top view of a filled package of theinvention;

FIG. 1F representatively shows a bottom view of a filled package of theinvention;

FIG. 2A representatively shows a stack of articles that may be includedwithin a package of the invention;

FIG. 2B representatively shows an article which may be arranged inpredetermined stacks;

FIG. 3 representatively shows a perspective view of a filled package ofone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 representatively shows a perspective view of a filled package ofone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 representatively shows a perspective view of a filled package ofone embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the present invention include a plurality ofpackages wherein each package defines an interior space and an exteriorspace. Each package of the plurality of packages has at least oneopening allowing access to the interior space when the package is in anopen condition and denying access to the interior space when the packageis in a closed condition. Additionally, each package contains aplurality of absorbent articles and at least one premium located withinthe interior space of the package. The premiums are consistently andconveniently located in the plurality of packages.

As used herein, a “plurality” of packages may be at least 10, at least100, at least 1000, at least 10,000, at least 100,000, or at least1,000,000 packages.

As used herein, the term “consistently positioned” refers to therepetitive location of premiums from package to package relative to apackage opening and/or a product stack. In other words, the relativeposition of a first premium in a first package is the same, withinnormal process variability, as the relative position of a secondidentical premium in a second package and so forth continuing throughouta plurality of packages. In contrast, a plurality of packages does notinclude premiums that are “consistently positioned” if a first packageincludes a first premium positioned in a first location relative to theopening means and a second package does not have a second identicalpremium positioned in the same location relative to the opening and/orproduct stack.

In various embodiments, the premium may or may not include a wrap thatcompletely or partially covers and/or encases the premium. The wrap forthe premium may include any suitable material or materials, such as, forexample, plastic, foil, paper, films, or the like, or combinationsthereof. The premium wrap may be rigid or flexible or combinationsthereof.

The premium and/or premium wrap may be positioned within the packagesuch that it is immediately accessible when the package is firsttransitioned from the closed condition to the open condition. As usedherein, the term “immediately accessible” describes an object containedin a package wherein at least a portion of the object is visible and canbe grasped through an opening created when the package is firsttransitioned from a closed condition to an open condition without firstmoving one or more other objects out of the way. For example, when firstopening a traditional bread bag, the first slice of bread is“immediately accessible” through the bag opening because it is visibleand can be grasped without moving one or more other objects, such asother slices of bread. Conversely, the last piece of bread in theexemplary bag of bread is not “immediately accessible” through the bagopening when the bag is first opened because one or more slices of breadmust be moved before the last slice is visible and can be grasped.

In the various embodiments, the premium and/or the premium wrap may bein direct contact with the absorbent articles but may or may not bedirectly attached to any of the absorbent articles. Furthermore, thepremiums and/or premium wraps may be in direct contact with the packagebut may or may not be directly attached to the package. In other words,in some embodiments, the premium and/or premium wrap may be separatedfrom the absorbent articles and the package without breaking any bondsor points of attachment between the premium and/or the premium wrap andthe absorbent article and/or the package.

In various embodiments, the package may have any suitable number ofsides and may have any suitable shape. Traditionally, packages ofabsorbent articles have generally been hexahedrons with the sidesforming approximately 90 degree angles with adjoining sides. Forexample, the embodiment representatively shown in FIGS. 1A through 1Fillustrate various views of a package 20 that is composed of a flexiblepolymer material and contains a plurality of articles 94. The package 20comprises a front face wall 22 which defines a top edge region 28, abottom edge region 30, and two opposed side edge regions 24 and 26thereof. A back face wall 32 defines a top edge region 38, a bottom edgeregion 40, and two opposed side edge regions 34 and 36 thereof. A topwall 50 interconnects between the top edge regions 28 and 38 of thefront and back walls 22 and 32, respectively, and includes a pair ofoppositely located side edge regions 52 and 54 thereof. A bottom wall 56interconnects between the bottom edge regions 30 and 40 of the front andback walls 22 and 32, respectively. The bottom wall includes a pair ofoppositely located side edge regions 58 and 60 thereof.

Two oppositely located end walls 42 and 44 are each interconnectedbetween a side edge region of the front wall and a side edge region ofthe back wall, and are interconnected between a side edge region of thetop wall and a side edge region of the bottom wall. In particular, endwall 42 interconnects between side edge region 24 of front wall 22 andside edge region 36 of back wall 32, and interconnects between side edgeregion 52 of the top wall 50 and side edge region 58 of the bottom wall56. Similarly, end wall 44 interconnects between side edge region 26 ofthe front wall 22 and side edge region 34 of the back wall 32, andinterconnects between side edge region 54 of the top wall 50 and sideedge region 60 of the bottom wall 56. The interconnection of walls 22,32, 42, 44, 50, and 56 define an interior space 46 and an exterior space48 (FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, for example, each of the package walls may becomposed of the same flexible polymer material. Optionally, the variousindividual package walls may be composed of different materials. In thevarious embodiments, package 20 has a generally hexahedral shape anddefines a package length 106 (FIGS. 1F and 3), a package depth 108(FIGS. 1D and 3) and a package width 110 (FIGS. 1C and 3).

In the various embodiments of the invention, the package walls may becomposed of different materials, or may be composed of substantially thesame type of material. The package walls may be one or more discretepieces of material joined together to form the package or may be one ormore larger pieces folded and/or joined to define the package. Invarious embodiments, the package walls may be made of any suitablematerial or combination of materials. Typically, the material is apolymer film which is sufficiently flexible to assume a desired,generally hexahedral shape when the package is substantially filled witharticles. In addition, the material should have sufficient strength tohold and contain the articles without breaking and without excessivebulging or stretching of the film material. Suitable materials includemonolayer films and coextruded films, and the various configurations ofthe bag can be made from tube stock or flat stock material. In someembodiments, for example, the film material may be composed of apolyethylene film or film laminate having a thickness of about0.001-0.004 inch (about 0.025-0.10 millimeters). Particular examples ofthe film material may comprise a LDPE (low density polyethylene) film, aLDPE/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) film laminate, a LDPE/MDPE(medium density polyethylene) film laminate, a LDPE/HDPE (high densitypolyethylene) film laminate or the like.

In various embodiments, a designated opening means is included totransition a package from a closed condition to an open condition. Forexample, an opening means may include a frangible region 70 (FIG. 1A)that extends at least partially across one or more walls of the package.In various embodiments, the opening means may also extend at leastpartially across one or more complementary walls of the package. Forexample, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1E, the frangible region 70may extend across top wall 50 and extend partially across front facewall 22, back face wall 32, and end wall 44.

The opening means may be manipulated to transition the package from theclosed condition to the open condition to create a package opening 72(FIG. 3). Transitioning the package 20 from the closed condition to theopen condition allows access to the interior space 46 via the packageopening 72. The opening means may be manipulated by any suitable means.For example, the opening means may be manipulated by grasping thefrangible region 70 and asserting force directed to at least onefrangible line 78 to effectuate a separation in the package proximatethe frangible line 78

In the various aspects of the invention, the opening means can include afrangible region 70. The breaking or separating of frangible region 70may, for example, be provided by partially cutting or otherwise thinningthrough the thickness of the bag material in a predetermined pattern,providing a selected pattern of perforations along the appointedsections of the bag, providing a desired pattern of stress-fatigueweakening, or the like, located along the appointed sections of thepackage or bag. In the embodiments wherein the frangible region includesa frangible line 78, the frangible line 78 can be provided by a line orother array of perforations which extends across the appointed sectionsof top wall 50, bottom wall 56, end walls 42 or 44, front wall panel 22and/or back wall panel 32, and/or combinations thereof. In particularembodiments, there may be approximately 2-10 perforations per linealinch of the frangible line. In some embodiments, for example, afrangible line may include alternating slits and lands. The slits may beapproximately ⅛ inch long and substantially aligned along the intendeddirection of frangibility. The lands may also have a length dimension ofapproximately ⅛ inch, as measured along the intended direction offrangibility.

Frangible region 70, in the various aspects of the invention, caninclude a frangible line provided by a single line of perforations.Alternatively, the frangible region 70 may be provided by a system ofmultiple perforation lines, such as a pair of parallel perforation lineswhich generally define one or more removable strips.

In various embodiments, at least one stack 96 of articles 94 arecontained in the interior space 46 of the package 20 (FIG. 3). Thearticle stacks may be aligned along an appointed stacking direction 100of the package. Each of the stacks 96 has opposing ends 97 and 98 (FIG.2A) thereof for contacting opposed walls of the package. With referenceto FIGS. 2A and 2B, an individual article stack 96 may be composed of aplurality of individual articles 94, and may have a generally hexahedralshape. The stacks define a stack length 95, stack width 99, and stackdepth 101.

The articles 94 may be provided in any suitable configuration and anysuitable number of stacks within the package 20. In the illustratedembodiments, the articles are folded and provide two opposed facesurfaces 164 and 166 and pairs of opposed side edges 168 and 170. Thearticles are stacked in face-to-face relation and in substantialalignment with one another with the two end-most articles providing theopposed, terminal end faces of the article stack. The articles areprovided in a single stack wherein the end faces of the article stackcontact and press against the appointed abutment walls of the package.In various embodiments, the stack or stacks may be oriented within thepackage in any suitable direction or configuration. For example, thestacking direction 100 of the resultant stack array within package 20can be aligned generally parallel to the length-wise, top edge 28 ofpackage front wall 22 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

One aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of packageswherein each package defines an interior space and has an opening meansadapted to transition the package from the closed condition to an opencondition thereby creating an opening. Each package contains a pluralityof absorbent articles and at least one premium located in the interiorspace of the package. The premium is positioned within the interiorspace of the package to be immediately accessible from the exteriorspace via the opening when the opening means is first transitioned fromthe closed condition to the open condition. Furthermore, the premium isnot directly attached to the absorbent articles or the package but isstill consistently positioned in the same relative position from packageto package.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a package 20 contains absorbent articles 94 anda premium 18. The absorbent articles are arranged in a stack 96 having astacking direction 100. The package 20 further includes a frangible line78 in the form of a perforation. The frangible line 78 extends acrosstop wall 50 and partially across front face wall 22 and back face wall32 (which is not visible in this view). The frangible line 78 at leastpartially defines a frangible region 70. The frangible region 70 may bemanipulated to transition the package 20 from a closed condition to anopen condition. The frangible region 70 may be manipulated by anysuitable means, such as, for example, tearing at least partially alongthe frangible line 78 to create an opening 72 as illustrated. In theillustrated embodiment, the premium 18 is located between the articles94 and the package 20 proximate the frangible line 78 such that thepremium is immediately accessible via the opening 72 when the package 20is first transitioned from the closed condition to the open condition.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, each package inthe plurality of packages may include absorbent articles arranged in astack 96 along an appointed stacking direction 100 and may have a foldededge 104 wherein the premium 18 is located adjacent the folded edges104. In some embodiments, the absorbent articles of each package 20 mayhave a folded edge 104 and may be arranged in a stack 96 wherein thefolded edges 104 of each absorbent article 94 are substantially alignedand wherein at least one premium 18 in each package 20 is consistentlypositioned adjacent the folded edges 104. In some embodiments, and asillustrated in FIG. 3, the stack of absorbent articles may define sixsides and the premium may overlie at least a portion of at least twosides of the stack.

Consistently positioning the premium in the illustrated locations isbelieved to be advantageous because the premium is immediately visiblewithin the package and thus draws the attention of the consumer. Thepremium is also neatly presented and is less susceptible to damage andtheft because it is located within the package. Furthermore, it isbelieved to be advantageous because the consumer can remove the premiumfrom the package via the opening without withdrawing any articles orfurther manipulating the package.

Referring now to FIG. 4, each package in the plurality of packages mayinclude a package 20 containing absorbent articles 94 and at least onepremium 18. The absorbent articles may be arranged in a stack 96 havinga stacking direction 100. Each package 20 may further include at leastone frangible line 78 in the form of a perforation. The frangible line78 may extend across top wall 50 and partially across front face wall 22and back face wall 32 (which is not visible in this view). The frangibleline 78 at least partially defines a frangible region 70 wherein thefrangible region 70 may be manipulated to transition the package 20 froma closed condition to an open condition. The frangible region 70 may bemanipulated by any suitable means, such as, for example, tearing atleast partially along the frangible line 78 to create an opening 72 asillustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the premium 18 is locatedbetween the articles 94 and the package 20 proximate the frangible line78 such that the premium is immediately accessible via the opening 72when the package 20 is first transitioned from the closed condition tothe open condition.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, each package inthe plurality of packages may include absorbent articles arranged in astack 96 along an appointed stacking direction 100 and may have sideedges 102 wherein the premium 18 is located adjacent the side edges 102.In various embodiments, the premium 18 may be located adjacent a majorface panel. As used herein, the term “major face panel” refers to a sideof a package having the greatest surface area. For example, in FIG. 4,the front face wall 22 is the major face panel because it is defined bythe two longest dimensions of the package (length 106 and depth 108) andtherefore has the greatest surface area. In various embodiments, apackage may have two or more major face panels. In FIG. 4, the frontface wall 22 is a major face panel and the back face wall 32, which isopposite the front face wall 22 and is not visible in FIG. 4, is a majorface panel.

In various embodiments, the total surface area of the major face paneldefines a face panel area and the total surface area of the premiumdefines a premium area wherein the premium area is at least 25%, atleast 50%, or at least 75% of the major face panel area. For example, inFIG. 4, the premium 18 has a premium area 120 defined by a premiumlength 116 times a premium depth 118. Likewise, the major face panel 22has a major face panel area 112 defined by the package length 106 timesthe package depth 108. Thus, in this embodiment, the premium area 120 isabout 60% of the major face panel area 112.

Referring now to FIG. 5, each package 20 in the plurality of packagesmay include absorbent articles 94 and at least one premium 18 (shaded).The absorbent articles are arranged in a stack 96 having a stackingdirection 100. The package 20 further includes a frangible line 78 inthe form of a perforation. The frangible line 78 extends across top wall50 and partially across front face wall 22 and back face wall 32 (whichis not visible in this view). The frangible line 78 at least partiallydefines a frangible region 70 which may be manipulated to transition thepackage 20 from a closed condition to an open condition. The frangibleregion 70 may be manipulated by any suitable means, such as, forexample, tearing at least partially along the frangible line 78 tocreate an opening 72 as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, thepremium 18 is located between the articles 94 and in the stackingdirection 100 such that the premium is immediately accessible via theopening 72 when the package 20 is first transitioned from the closedcondition to the open condition.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the absorbentarticles 94 may be arranged in a stack 96 along an appointed stackingdirection 100 and may have a face surface 164 and an opposing facesurface 166 wherein the premium 18 is located between the face surface164 of a first absorbent article 94 and the face surface 166 of asuccessive absorbent article 94. In various embodiments the premium andthe absorbent articles are compressed within the package. In someembodiments, the absorbent articles are arranged in a stack along anappointed stacking direction wherein the stack may include a firstabsorbent article defining a first end of the stack and a secondabsorbent article defining a second end of the stack opposite the firstend. In various embodiments, the premiums may be positioned within thestack between the first absorbent article and the second absorbentarticle.

In various embodiments, the articles 94 may be, for example, absorbentarticles, such as disposable diapers or the like. Other suitableabsorbent articles may include feminine articles, child trainingarticles, adult incontinence articles, and the like. Absorbent articlesmay be provided in any suitable form and include any suitable feature orcombination of features. In general, absorbent articles may include aliquid pervious topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet with anabsorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. Absorbentarticles often include other features to improve comfort, containment,aesthetics, discretion, donning, removal, and/or disposal. For example,various absorbent articles include refastenable attachment features,containment flaps, superabsorbent particles, colorful graphics, softmaterials, stretch materials, breathable materials, and the like, andcombinations thereof.

In various embodiments, each package 20 may also include one or morepremiums 18. The premiums may be any suitable object or product. Forexample, the premiums may be diapers, training pants, swim-pants,absorbent briefs, absorbent boxer shorts, clothing, compact discs,wipes, lotions, wash is cloths, changing pads, sun sensors, spa items,books, coupons, sunscreens, toys, and the like, and combinationsthereof.

In various embodiments, the premiums may be located in any suitablelocation within the package. For example, absorbent articles may bearranged in a stack and the premiums may be located on any suitablesurface of the stack. In some embodiments, the absorbent articles may bearranged in a stack and the premium may be at least partially located onat least two surfaces of the stack. In some embodiments, the absorbentarticles may be arranged in a stack and the premiums may be locatedwithin the stack. In preferred embodiments, at least one premium isconsistently positioned proximate the package opening and is immediatelyaccessible when the package is first opened.

In various embodiments, the premiums 18 may be rigid or flexible. Forexample, flexible premiums may include absorbent articles, tee-shirts,lotions, and the like. Examples of rigid premiums may include hard coverbooks, puzzles, compact discs, computer discs, and the like. In variousembodiments the premium and the absorbent articles may be compressedwithin the package. In other embodiments, the absorbent articles may becompressed within the package and the premium may be compressed to alesser extent or not compressed at all.

In various embodiments, the plurality of packages may include absorbentarticles adapted to fit a user having a first size and the premium maybe an absorbent article adapted to fit a user having a second size thatis different than the first size. For example, the plurality of packagesmay include absorbent articles, for example diapers, adapted to fitbabies having a weight of 12 to 18 pounds. These packages may alsoinclude a premium which is a diaper adapted to fit babies having aweight range of 16 to 28 pounds. For example, a package of diapers maybe sized for a “Step 2” size baby and therefore contain Step 2 sizediapers. In such embodiments, each package of Step 2 diapers may alsoinclude a premium wherein the premium is a Step 3 sized diaperconsistently positioned and immediately accessible when the consumerfirst opens the package. As such, the consumer may determine whethertheir baby is ready for the next size diaper without requiring thepurchase of an entire package.

In various embodiments, the plurality of packages may include absorbentarticles having features associated with a value tier. For example, theabsorbent articles may have non-stretchable materials, lowerbreathability, simpler graphics, lower basis weight materials, lessabsorbent material, and the like, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, each package of absorbent articles may have featuresassociated with value tier products and may include one or more premiumsconsistently positioned within the package wherein the premium is anabsorbent article having one or more features associated with a highertier. For example, the premiums may be an absorbent article havingstretchable materials, higher breathability, vibrant and/or complexgraphics, higher basis weight materials, more absorbent material, andthe like, and combinations thereof. As such, a consumer may purchase apackage of value tier absorbent articles and receive a sample of ahigher tier absorbent article to try without the necessity of buying anentire package of higher tier articles.

In some embodiments, the plurality of packages may include absorbentarticles having a first grade cost and one or more premiums within thepackage having a second grade cost that is higher, lower, or the same asthe first grade cost. As used herein, the term “grade cost” refers tothe cost necessary to manufacture one standard unit of an item. In someembodiments, a plurality of packages having absorbent articles with afirst grade cost may include premiums having a higher grade cost.

In various embodiments, any suitable absorbent articles and any suitablepremiums may be combined. In various embodiments, the absorbent articlesmay be selected from a first group that includes diapers, trainingpants, swim-pants, feminine hygiene articles, absorbent briefs,absorbent boxer shorts, and the like. Whereas, the premiums may beselected from a second group that includes diapers, pants, swim-pants,feminine hygiene articles, briefs, boxer shorts, clothing (e.g., teeshirts), compact discs, wipes, lotions, wash cloths, changing pads, sunsensors, spa items, coupons, informational items (e.g., parenting tips),books, promotional items, game pieces, collectibles, and the like.

In various embodiments, the absorbent articles and the premiums may bethe same type of item. For example, the absorbent articles may bediapers and the premium may also be a diaper. In various embodiments,the premium may be an absorbent article that has features different fromthe plurality of absorbent articles contained within the package. Insome embodiments, the absorbent articles and the premiums may bedifferent types of items. For example, in some embodiments, theabsorbent articles may be diapers and the premiums may be wipes. In someembodiments, the absorbent articles may be swim pants and the premiumsmay be sun sensors. In some embodiments, the absorbent articles may betraining pants and the premiums may be tee shirts.

In some embodiments, each package in the plurality of packages mayfurther include at least one window wherein at least a portion of thepremium is visible through the window from the exterior space when thepackage is in the closed condition.

In some embodiments, each package of absorbent articles may include twoor more premiums. In some embodiments, the two or more premiums may bethe same or at least one of the premiums may be different. For example,packages containing a plurality of absorbent articles may each include afirst premium that is a wipe and a second premium that is a tee shirt.In another example, packages containing a plurality of absorbentarticles may each include a first premium that is a first wipe and asecond premium that is a second wipe. In various embodiments, the firstwipe and the second wipe may be the same or may be different.

In some embodiments, each package in the plurality of packages mayinclude at least two premiums located in the same position or indifferent positions. For example, in some embodiments, each package inthe plurality of packages may include a first premium located primarilyadjacent the folded edge of a stack of absorbent articles and a secondpremium similarly located primarily adjacent the folded edge of thestack. In another example, each package in the plurality of packages mayinclude a first premium located primarily adjacent the folded edge of astack of absorbent articles and a second premium may be located withinthe stack of absorbent articles. In various embodiments having at leasttwo premiums, one or more premiums may be consistently positionedthroughout the plurality of packages and/or one or more premiums may beimmediately accessible via the opening when the package is firsttransitioned from the closed condition to the open condition. In someembodiments, each package in the plurality of packages may include afirst premium consistently positioned and immediately accessible in afirst location and a second premium consistently positioned andimmediately accessible in a second location. In various embodiments, thefirst and second locations may be the same or may be different.

In some embodiments, the premiums may have a premium theme and theabsorbent articles may have an absorbent article theme. In variousembodiments, the premium theme and the absorbent article theme may bethe same, related, or different. For example, packages of absorbentarticles and associated premiums may both have the same theme, e.g.,involving a well-known superhero. Both the absorbent articles and thepremium may include an image of the superhero printed on the absorbentarticle and on the premium and/or on the premium wrap.

In other embodiments, the absorbent articles and the premiums may havedifferent but related themes. For example, the absorbent article mayhave an absorbent article theme involving a well-known superhero and thepremium and/or premium wrap may have a premium theme involving a secondwell-known superhero. In this example, the themes are not the same butare related in that both involve superheroes but not the same superhero.

In other embodiments, the absorbent articles and the premiums may havedifferent themes that are not related. For example, the absorbentarticle may have an absorbent article theme involving a well-knownsuperhero and the premium and/or premium wrap may have a premium themeinvolving wildflowers.

In various embodiments, a first manufacturer may produce the absorbentarticles and may associate the absorbent articles with a first brand.Additionally, the first manufacturer may also produce the premium andmay associate the premium with a second brand. In various embodiments,the first brand and the second brand may be the same or may bedifferent.

In other embodiments, a first manufacturer may produce the absorbentarticles and may associate the absorbent articles with a first brand anda second manufacturer may produce the premium and may associate thepremium with a second brand wherein the second brand is different thanthe first.

In various embodiments, the absorbent articles may be adapted for use bya first segment of users and the premiums may be adapted for use by asecond segment of users. In some embodiments, the first segment of usersand the second segment of users may be the same or may be different. Forexample, in some embodiments, the absorbent articles may be diapersadapted for use by babies and the premium may be a rattle adapted foruse by babies. In other embodiments, the absorbent articles may bediapers adapted for use by babies whereas the premium may be a spaarticle adapted for use by an adult.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilledin the art, upon attaining understanding of the foregoing will readilyappreciate alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to theseembodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.Additionally, all combinations and/or sub-combinations of the disclosedembodiments, ranges, examples, and alternatives are also contemplated.

1. A plurality of packages wherein each package comprises a plurality ofabsorbent articles and at least one premium located within an interiorspace; each package further comprises at least one opening means adaptedto transition the package from a closed condition to an open conditionand create an opening to access the interior space; wherein, in eachpackage, the premium is not directly attached to the absorbent articlesor the package and the premium is consistently positioned and isimmediately accessible through the opening when the package is firsttransitioned from the closed condition to the open condition.
 2. Theplurality of packages of claim 1 wherein the absorbent articles of eachpackage have a folded edge and are arranged in a stack wherein thefolded edges of each absorbent article are aligned and wherein thepremium in each package is consistently positioned adjacent the foldededges.
 3. The plurality of packages of claim 2 wherein the stack ofabsorbent articles defines six sides and the premium overlies at least aportion of at least two sides of the stack.
 4. The plurality of packagesof claim 1 wherein the absorbent articles are adapted to fit a userhaving a first size and wherein the premium is an absorbent articleadapted to fit a user having a second size that is different than thefirst size.
 5. The plurality of packages of claim 1 wherein theabsorbent articles are labeled with a first brand name owned by a firstcompany and the premium is labeled with a second brand name owned by asecond company wherein the first company is different than the secondcompany.
 6. The plurality of packages of claim 1 wherein the absorbentarticles comprise a product type selected from a first group consistingof diapers, training pants, swimpants, feminine hygiene articles, andabsorbent boxer shorts, and the premium comprises a product typeselected from a second group consisting of diapers, training pants,swimpants, feminine hygiene articles, absorbent boxer shorts, clothing,compact discs, wipes, lotions, wash cloths, changing pads, sun sensors,spa items, coupons, informational items, books, promotional items, gamepieces, and collectibles and wherein the product type of the absorbentarticles is different than the product type of the premiums.
 7. Theplurality of packages of claim 1 wherein each package further comprisesat least one window wherein at least a portion of the premium is visiblefrom the exterior space before the package is first transitioned to theopen condition.
 8. The plurality of packages of claim 1 wherein theopening means comprises at least one line of weakness.
 9. The pluralityof packages of claim 1 wherein the premium includes a wrap at leastpartially encasing the premium.
 10. The plurality of packages of claim 1wherein each package includes a first premium and a second premiumwherein the second premium is a different type than the first premium.11. A plurality of packages wherein each package comprises a pluralityof absorbent articles and at least one premium located within aninterior space; each package further comprises at least one openingmeans adapted to transition the package from a closed condition to anopen condition and create an opening to access the interior space;wherein, in each package, the premium is not directly attached to theabsorbent articles or the package and the premium is consistentlypositioned and is immediately accessible through the opening when thepackage is first transitioned from the closed condition to the opencondition, and wherein the premium is positioned adjacent a major facepanel.
 12. The plurality of packages of claim 11 wherein the premium isrigid.
 13. The plurality of packages of claim 11 wherein the entiremajor face panel defines a face panel surface area and the entirepremium defines a premium surface area wherein the premium surface areais at least 50% of the face panel surface area.
 14. The plurality ofpackages of claim 11 wherein each package further comprises at least onewindow wherein at least a portion of the premium is visible from anexterior space before the package is first transitioned to the opencondition.
 15. The plurality of packages of claim 11 wherein eachpackage includes a first premium and a second premium and wherein thesecond premium is a different type than the first premium.
 16. Theplurality of packages of claim 11 wherein the absorbent articles arelabeled with a first brand name owned by a first company and the premiumis labeled with a second brand name owned by a second company whereinthe first company is different than the second company.
 17. A pluralityof packages wherein each package comprises a plurality of absorbentarticles and at least one premium located within an interior space; eachpackage further comprises at least one opening means adapted totransition the package from a closed condition to an open condition andcreate an opening to access the interior space; wherein, in eachpackage, the premium is not directly attached to the absorbent articlesor the package and the premium is consistently positioned and isimmediately accessible through the opening when the package is firsttransitioned from the closed condition to the open condition, andwherein the absorbent articles are arranged in a stack along anappointed stacking direction, the stack including a first absorbentarticle defining a first end of the stack and a second absorbent articledefining a second end of the stack opposite the first end; and thepremium being positioned within the stack between the first absorbentarticle and the second absorbent article.
 18. The plurality of packagesof claim 17 wherein the premium has a longest dimension that is lessthan or equal to a longest dimension of the absorbent articles.
 19. Theplurality of packages of claim 17 wherein the premium and the absorbentarticles are compressed within the package.
 20. The plurality ofpackages of claim 17 wherein each package includes a first premium and asecond premium wherein the second premium is a different type than thefirst premium.